Committed to finding a diabetes cure...and improving lives along the way.

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DIABETES AFFECTS 17 MILLION PEOPLE in the United States -- and approximately one third of those people aren't aware that they have diabetes. Unfortunately, many of these people are only diagnosed with diabetes after experiencing one of the disease's devastating complications such as blindness, nerve damage, amputation, kidney or heart failure.

"The good news about diabetes is that the earlier you find out about the disease, the more likely you are to avoid serious complications," said Katie Croskrey, executive director of the American Diabetes Association in Utah. "However, the populations at risk are steadily increasing and, consequently, the need to increase awareness is reaching critical proportions. We need to do something now before diabetes becomes a tragic public health issue."

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is committed to finding a cure for diabetes -- both Type 1 and Type 2. In 2001, the ADA dedicated $2.4 million to research into the cause and cure of diabetes; nearly $300,000 of which currently funds research in Utah. In addition, the ADA offers a number of year-round programs and events in Utah and a resource center open daily in Salt Lake City to provide diabetes information and support.

"Recent studies have clearly shown that people at risk for diabete's can do a lot to prevent it," said Croskrey. "Moderate weight loss, regular exercise and careful attention to diet could make the difference between living the rest of your life with diabetes and its complications or living a life free from this chronic disease."

All the ADA's efforts in Utah depend on volunteer time and financial support. Here is a list of ADA programs and events.

Call 1-888-DIABETES to find out how your organization can get...